Page 20 of Holiday Hopefuls
“Easy.” Ian’s whisper is low in my ear. “Don’t spook her.”
I can’t help my answering grin. He’s right—you’ve gotta treat Connie like a wounded animal.
Her face flushes as she stammers, “Well-well, I’ve known Aaron for a long time and I know it’s important to support our friends.”
“Then I think it’s a great idea that you came.” Ian gives her a wolfish grin. “Callie and I have a table up at the front.”
I shoot him a sidelong look, silently asking if he’s trying to ruin the fun tonight.
“I’m sure we could squeeze in another chair,” he finishes.
With the entire force of Rhodes, McNalley & McNalley Therapy Collective watching our interactions, I force my smile even wider. “Ian’s right, Con. Join us.” I give a half-hearted gesture in the direction of our table.
Connie looks toward the claimed spot. “Uh, do you think we could make room for one more?” Desperation colors her tone, and I know why before I even look behind her.
“Ah, man.” Ian elbows me, but I can’t help myself. It slipped out.
“Ian.” Chris appears from behind his twin in dark joggers and a gray V-neck covered by a navy zip hoodie. His wet, slicked hair means he definitely just came from the gym, and all because his twin sister is nervous of being around a guy she certainly likes but won’t admit it. Crossing his arms, judgmental eyes peer straight at me. “Calloway.”
“Connie, do you know the first thing I teach my students at the beginning of the year?”
“How to take themselves to the bathroom?” Chris’s voice drips with sarcasm.
“Easy,” I warn in my best I’m The Sweetest Teacher Don’t You Want To Pet Me voice. Nodding to John, I pin my brother with a look that means business. “This is one of my parents, so this may not be the best time to call me a glorified babysitter, dearest brother of mine.”
“And I’m an overprotective aunt who likes to kickbox after a long day.” Rindy sits up a bit straighter and squares her shoulders.
Chris scoffs, unfolding bulky arms swollen from lifting.
“Enough,” Connie whispers to him. It’s soft, but it gets the message across.
A small sense of pride blooms in my chest.
“I’ll get the drinks,” Chris grumbles, stalking off toward the bar. “Meet you at the table.”
Connie nods to her twin. Casting one more look at the group of strangers beside us, she shuffles off toward the table.
“And that guy was?” Rindy pushes back a mostly empty glass.
“My brother,” I deadpan.
“One of them.” Ian snorts.
Heat rises in my cheeks at the realization of how much insight into my life these people have just witnessed.
Especially the man I was stupid enough to actually go and consider asking for help.
“Yeesh.” Rindy’s response is automatic, eliciting a dry laugh from myself. “Sorry,” she backtracks, “I didn’t mean for that to come out.”
“Trust me, you’re not the first.” Ian rubs the nape of his neck before turning back to me. “Think tonight’s the night?” He quirks a thick brow.
I snort, rolling my eyes. “Dunno. If it’s taken them this long … ”
“I still think it’s weird.”
“Oh, come on,” I insist. “I think they’d be good for each other.”
“Who?” Dr. Rhodes tips down his sculpted lips surrounded by a perfect five o’clock shadow.
